Disastrous water main break occurred 31 years ago this weekend

10:06 PM,
May 2, 2014

Written by

Beth Dippel
Special to Sheboygan Press Media

As Sheboygan city leaders announce an agreement to purchase the former Prange's (Boston Store) property at Eighth and Wisconsin Streets, and start a new phase in the property's history, it's fitting to remember the demise of Prange's that changed the face of retail business in downtown Sheboygan 31 years ago this week.

H.C. Prange Company, Sheboygan's biggest department store, was evacuated at mid-morning May 4, 1983, after a break in a 6-inch underground water main about the size of a 50 cent piece was noticed about 9 a.m. The water main rupture, powered by city pressure, undermined ground ...